Addressing the global TB epidemic is not an easy task. Inadequate research and development (R&D) for TB coupled with out-dated treatment and diagnosis causes the rise of drug-resistant TB and millions of people ill with TB going untreated. Drug resistance happens when the bacteria that causes TB no longer responds to the drugs that commonly treat it. This results in longer and more dangerous treatments, particularly for people living with HIV who are much more susceptible to falling ill with and dying from TB.
The world is only spending half of what is needed to end the TB epidemic.[2] If we do not accelerate our current progress, we won’t end TB for another 150 years. We are far from meeting our global 2030 target to end TB. Without significant steps being taken, we will see the loss of 28 million lives and a global cost to economy of one trillion dollars (USD).[3]
Key facts on tuberculosis